A small number of personnel have now started smoking e-cigarettes in the works canteen. Equally a small number of personnel have complained about this practice. From my brief investigation it appears these e-cigarettes have no tobacco therefore do not fall under the smoking ban in workplaces. They do contain nicotine which is addictive. My question is should these be banned by the employer from the workplace? My own thoughts are we should ban them until it is proved that they are safe. Thoughts and how best to address?

E-cigarettes are not regulated as a tobacco product or as a medicine and there has been no peer review of them to say they are safe and efficient nicotine replacement therapy. In 2009 the US FDA carried out a survey of them and found carcinogens and toxic chemicals contained in the make up. I treat them the same way I do normal smokers, only giving them a separate shelter.

This topic has been discussed on the forum numerous times so try a forum search for others opinions